Launch - Performance-Based Routine Road Maintenance Road Programme (North Coast)

Honourable Ministers
Members of Parliament,
Mayor, Councillors
IDP Country Representative
Distinguished participants
Ladies and gentlemen.

It is my great pleasure to be here this afternoon to participate in the launch of the Performance-based Routine Road Maintenance Project for the North Coast Highway.

This is one of the major components under the Inter American Development Bank (IDB) financed Road Improvement Programme.

The programme is made possible by a US$10 million IDB loan. It is geared to provide support for road safety and performance-based road improvement and maintenance work. That agreement was signed on December 05, 2011.

Let me on behalf of the government and people of Jamaica express appreciation to the IDB for its continued assistance in helping us realise our national development goals.

You have our assurance of the highest level of probity and integrity in the execution and management of the programme. The activities under the programme will entail bushing and drain cleaning of 270 kilometres of roadway -- from Negril to Port Antonio.

In undertaking the work, the NSWMA is required to adhere to several guidelines, including the engagement of both skilled and unskilled labour from communities through which the highway passes. In all, some 700 persons will be employed on a continuous basis through this contract.

To those who will be working on this programme, let me make it absolutely clear: the NSWMA will ensure that the work undertaken is done to the highest standards at all times.

This is not a programme for persons to come and sit and do nothing. It will be executed efficiently, in good order and will deliver value for money to the Jamaican people.

There will be formal training of the individuals who will be engaged from the participating communities. This training will be conducted by both the Heart/NTA and the NSWMA.

Ladies and gentlemen, let me now turn for a moment to the matter of the Jamaica Emergency Employment Programme, JEEP, about which there continues to be much comment in the media.

This is not the launch of JEEP. The fact however is, this Programme we are launching today, is in keeping with the JEEP concept, which is to create productive work for our people.

In the weeks ahead, aspects of the JEEP will be unveiled, particularly in the areas of agriculture, construction, transportation and information communication technology. That's all I am saying about JEEP today.

As you all know, a major undertaking of a former People's National Party Administration was the development of the North Coast Highway. This Highway was successfully completed to a high standard both in terms of the quality of the workmanship and materials used.

The North Coast Highway has since become the benchmark for other road construction projects in Jamaica. Therefore, we cannot allow it to deteriorate.

It must be properly maintained so that it is able to serve the country's development and this major road maintenance project is the first of its kind and is intended to do just that.

As one of our busiest roadways in Jamaica, it is my hope, this project will be implemented without too much inconvenience to our motorists and our travelling public. I urge all those involved in carrying out these works to do so in a manner that will avoid any mishaps.

I appeal to our motorists to recognise that these maintenance works are important and necessary and I ask that they show respect and patience, and obey the instructions of flag persons.

Ladies and gentlemen, I am truly pleased to be here this afternoon and I take great pleasure in now declaring the programme launched.

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